First I want to say Hello to all. After several years of owning X300's aka XJ6 Vanden Plas we were getting very comfortable with their mechanical works and ease of DIY maintenance. Now that we purchased a 1999 XK8 the dreaded TIMING CHAIN issues have kept me sleepless. We live in the North Eastern portion of Pennsylvania. Does anyone know of a reputable service person who is fluent in having this service done?? At a very minimum we need to make sure this service was done. There is no service history on the car as it was purchased from an estate. The car looks and drives like new and only has 66K miles on it. I am mechanically inclined but after reading all the threads on the different ways to go about checking and changing all the bits in this area. I think I will opt to have it done. If anyone is willing to come and hang out and help that is an option too. As with the other forums. I know this one will be just as helpful to us as we have helped others. Will chat soon.

 

Welcome!

With the support of all your new friends here you will find little things like tensioners easy.

 

No independent European car shops around you, one that works on these cars?

 

Cat, Are you near New Hope PA? I ask because a mechanic I use is in Flemington NJ, Flemington Foriegn Cars. Flemington is not too far from New Hope. He fixed the timing chain issues for me. Let me know if I can help you further on this, not sure how close you are. I'd be happy to fill you in on details.

 

That's not too far for good service. about 2 hours away. Mind if I ask what then charged for the service??

 

2 hours is good if it means a quality fix and someone that used them can say they used them with good results.

 

Welcome to the forum cat hoarder.
Sounds like a plan.

Don't forget to post an intro in the new members section.

 

Cat,

Another place to consider ... Authorized Imported Cars Jaguar & Land Rover Import Foreign Car Specialists ... which is also, strangely enough, in Flemington. George is the owner. I've been delighted with everything he's done.

Lots of eye candy too as he usually has several E-Types undergoing restoration.

Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forum Cat and may I offer my heart felt condolences on your XK8 acquisition . This place has helped save my butt many times...



Dave

 

HI before you take a 2 hr ride i might pop a valve cover off .you will know real quick if it has ben done . it might set your mind at ease . good luck on your new ride . all the best danL darlington s.c.

 

Don't know where you are in relation to Malvern, PA, but Ralph at Cloverleaf Auto is excellent. He did the tensioners in my car as well as transmission work and I was very pleased with the result. Not a good choice if you're in a hurry to get the work done (two-man shop), but the man really knows Jaguars. His telephone number is: 610-647-5954.

 

Don't know how far to the east you are, but in north central PA I have used Wellsboro Automotive for my one 1/2 year new to me 2002 XK8. Fluid replacement and a shock absorber thus far, but will have Jeff replace the tensioners soon (May 2001 build, just missed metal tensioner upgrade).

Tony

 

Can't help you in your specific geographic location, but some dealers are OK too, along with independents. I got lucky and Jaguar of Cary has treated me very well, has a mechanic dedicated to "old" Jaguars, and the shop rates are very competitive.... but as always YMMV.

So you might check out some local dealer(s) in your area too.

Good luck!

.

 

Cat, Been away just saw your inquiry. They charged me about $2,300 for new timing chain (many would argue not needed, but I had the $$ then so what the heck), new tensioners all - primary and secondary. If you want more specific info on exactly what they charged, please do a search on my name I remember posting it back then, or send me an email I'll pull out the reciept, but this was pretty close at $2300.

John

 

It cost me about the same for the exact same job at the Indy shop I recommended to you. Could have only changed the secondary tensioners but, like Johnken, I had the money so I went for it. Figured the peace of mind was probably worth it.